Big rise in energy bills on the way as cheap tariffs expire

A leading price comparison website has warned that consumers could see their energy bills jump by up to £145 in the January if they fail to switch to a new tariff.

Gocompare research has highlighted that more than a dozen fixed-term energy tariffs – including 10 from some of the UK’s Big Six suppliers expire on 31st December.

If customers don’t take decisive action, they will be charged according their suppliers standard tariff, which could cost them almost £80 extra over the course of a year.

EDF Energy, M&S Energy, Npower and Scottish Power all have tariffs that expire on New Year’s Eve.

Customers facing the biggest increases are those living in East Anglia and Greater London as well as those on Scottish Power’s Online Fixed Energy December tariff , with an annual hike of almost £145 if they default to the supplier’s standard tariff.

A spokesman for Gocompare said: “Despite a mild autumn, temperatures have really plummeted this week, and with colder weather forecast British households will be using more energy to heat their homes. As such, it’s important that people make sure they are on the right gas and electricity tariffs so they can help reduce their big winter bills.”